Collective action against child sexual abuse

Resources, Jun '17Rise Against Child Sexual Harm and Abuse (RACSHA), a new Kolkata-based network, completed one year on June 3, 2017. A look at their profile, the issues they deal with, and their objectives.

What is RACSHA?RACSHA is a network of organisations and individuals working for the prevention, recognition, addressing and healing of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). RACSHA is based in Kolkata. We have teachers, activists, lawyers, doctors, psychologists, social workers, special educators and corporates in our team.

RACSHA works with: * Child victims and adult survivors* Communities, caregivers, families and service providers* State government, non-government, statutory, educational and other bodies

We:* Create awareness about CSA * Provide service referrals, information and advice * Do research and advocacy* Provide training

Facts about CSA

What is CSA?When an older, bigger or more powerful person abuses a child, and this abuse involves sexual activity. The abuse happens in secret. It remains mostly undetected by others or is denied. When the abuser is a family member, it is called incest.

What are sexually abusive behaviours?A wide range of behaviours, that may or may not involve physical contact, like a sexualized look or comment, touching, stroking, showing pornography, and all the way to penetration or rape.

What are the effects of sexual abuse?CSA can have severe consequences in a person’s life, affecting the way the individual thinks, acts, feels and behaves. It affects emotional, physical, mental and sexual well-being. It can significantly impair growth and development.

Is CSA prevalent in India?CSA is very prevalent in India. A study by the Government of India in 2007 indicates:• Over 53% of children surveyed have undergone sexual abuse • 50% of the abused are boys• 50% of the abusers were known to the child or in a position of trust and authority• Over 70% of children who have undergone sexual abuse are afraid to report it

Who are child molesters?Most are family members or known and trusted people who live amongst us. They come from various backgrounds, are of every gender, race, religion, profession and socio-economic group.

Who can be sexually abused?Any child is vulnerable irrespective of age, gender, ability, education, socio-economic group, or religion.

What are the signs of CSA?These include changes in behaviour and mood, sexual knowledge inappropriate to age, eating problems, tantrums, bedwetting at an older age, nightmares, frequent illnesses, among others.

Why children don’t talk?They may be scared, confused, ashamed, struggling to find the appropriate language or may not know whom to tell.

Is prevention possible?Prevention is possible. This is an adult’s responsibility. Believe it happens, educate oneself, listen to children, give them personal safety information, and create a safe environment for them.

Is recovery possible?The effects of CSA do not have to be permanent. It is possible to recover. Having an individual who listens, trusts, and is non-judgmental with the child victim or adult survivor is a good start to recovery.

What we offerFor advice and information regarding counselling, legal and medical help, training and consultations call RACSHA at 0091 90077 74175 or 0091 98302 70149, email us at racshainfo@gmail.com or go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/racsha/

About the main artwork: RACSHA logo (all artwork credits to RACSHA volunteers).

Varta is registered as a charitable trust in Kolkata with the ADSR Sealdah, District South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, with number IV – 00322 of 2014, and with the Income Tax Department with number CIT (Exemption), Kolkata/12AA/2017-18/A/10033.Site developed and maintained by Oflipper. (C) 2018 Varta Trust.